History

The Elstead ’Marathon’ was first run at the village sports day in 1912. The Elstead Marathon Challenge Cup was won then by A. Pullen and presented by L. Chichester Rideal R.N.

Since then it has been run regularly nearly every year, with a few exceptions including the period during the war years. For adults this is run over the original traditional course which extends around the village commons and through the river Wey by the Elstead bridge. The children run a shorter course over the common, with the start and finish on Elstead Green.

The adult course is about 5.5 miles in length and the record time for the race is 27mins 32 secs. This was set in 1961 by Austin Playfoot who was also chosen to carry the Olympic torch in 1948 and again in 2012. Austin has been our official starter for the Marathon on a number of occasions.

In recent years, the Marathon evening has been organised by the Elstead Scout Committee. The event includes the two races, a Tug-of-War event with local teams, a barbecue, stalls and raffle. Profits from the evening are donated to the 7th Farnham (Elstead) Scouts which runs the Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer groups in the village. The popularity of the Marathon has increased over recent years last year having another record turnout of 640 runners across both races.

The Tug-of-War competition is held on the village green after the races have finished. Although originally it was held over the river.

The Marathon Committee is also indebted to the Parish Council and landowners who have either given donations or allowed runners to cross their land.

A number of trophies are awarded for overall winners and first placed Elstead runners in different age groups. The Challenge Cup is awarded to the first finisher in the long race from Elstead.